Much is said and written about preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse. We talk about Go Bags, EDC Bags, etc. But what about the smaller disasters? Like a flood. Unless you have experienced it, you have no idea what a smelly stinky mess a flood can leave behind. The Flood Bucket is like a Go Bag, except it's to prepare you for the aftermath of a flood. The idea of the Flood Bucket comes from the Oregon Conference Adventist Community Services Disaster Response team.
Start with a 5 gallon bucket with a tight fitting lid. Place the following items into the bucket:
- 5 Scouring pads
- 7 or more sponges of varying sizes. Include at least one large car wash sponge.
- 1 or 2 scrub brush(es)
- 18 cleaning towels. Or a roll of shop rags like you get at an auto parts store.
- 1 large or two small bottles of liquid laundry detergent.
- 1 bottle of household cleaner.
- 1 bottle of liquid dish soap (disinfectant).
- 1 small bottle of household bleach
- 100 feet of clothes line.
- 50 clothes pins.
- 5 dust masks.
- 2 or 3 pair of heavy latex gloves.
- 1 or 2 pair of heavy work gloves.
- 1 roll of heavy duty trash bags, 30 to 45 gallon size.
- 1 can insect repellent.
- 1 can air freshener.
Pack all these items into the bucket and put the lid on. Label the bucket and store it somewhere where it won't float away in a flood. You might want to attach it to the wall with a bungee cord.
The Flood Bucket is intended to help you recover from a flood. However, you will find these household cleaners useful during any crisis.
There are some other things you will need that won't fit in the Flood Bucket. These should be tied together, attached to the wall and stored near the Flood Bucket.
- A couple of self wringing mops
- A couple of extra buckets
- A scoop type shovel
- A squeegee
Adventist Community Services suggests making up several Flood Buckets and storing them at your church or school. It can then be given to a family who experiences a flood or similar disaster.